Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (RJP)

Mangaluru, Mar 5: Pope Francis has declared the period between December 8, 2015 and November 20, 2016, the day of feast of Christ the King, as the Year of Mercy. The year is also called Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy.

As per the desire of the Pope, the bishop of Mangaluru has declared 12 places in the diocese as pilgrimage places which include St Joseph Vaz shrine at Mudipu. One can receive special Indulgence by visiting one of the pilgrimage places, by making a true confession, by receiving communion during the Holy Eucharist and by praying for Pope’s intentions. One must fulfil all these requirements.

Indulgence is the granting of freedom from punishment still due for sin after sacramental absolution. The devotees of St Sebastian church, Bendore have planned to visit Mudipu shrine by reaching there on foot.

The walk starts at 5 am on Monday, March 7, and the devotees are expected to reach Mudipu at 11 am. People who are able to walk only are advised to join. Others who want to reach Mudipu can come there by vehicles or by buses. If someone finds it difficult to walk all the distance, he or she can take a bus from any point to reach Mudipu. People can also join the group at any point. While coming back people are expected to make their own arrangement of transport or take city buses which are available in plenty.

All people who reach Mudipu are advised to wait at Mudipu cross road which leads to Mudipu shrine on the hill. When the group of walking devotees reach there, all will walk towards the hill together.

There will be confessions and Holy Eucharist at the shrine.

The route of the walk is, Bendore-Kankanady-Jeppu-Cascia-Railway crossing-Ullal bridge-Thokkottu-Panir-Mangalore University-Mudipu.

The total distance of the walk is 22 kilometres. Walking the entire distance is not essential to gain the Indulgence.